How we cite our quotes: (Act.Line) Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue.
Quote #1
VLADIMIR
Our Saviour. Two thieves. One is supposed to have been saved and the other . . . (he searches for the contrary of saved) . . . damned. (1.64)
In the world of Waiting for Godot, freedom from confinement is arbitrary and without logic.
Quote #2
ESTRAGON
Charming spot. (He turns, advances to front, halts facing auditorium.) Inspiring prospects. (He turns to Vladimir.) Let's go.
VLADIMIR
We can't.
ESTRAGON
Why not?
VLADIMIR
We're waiting for Godot.
ESTRAGON
(despairingly) Ah! (1.91-5)
Vladimir and Estragon are confined by their waiting just as Lucky is confined by the rope around his neck. In this comparison, Godot is compared to Pozzo as the being that governs such confinement. But do the prisoners, Vladimir and Estragon, choose to be imprisoned?
Quote #3
ESTRAGON
(his mouth full, vacuously) We're not tied?
VLADIMIR
I don't hear a word you're saying.
ESTRAGON
(chews, swallows) I'm asking you if we're tied.
VLADIMIR
Tied?
ESTRAGON
Ti-ed.
VLADIMIR
How do you mean tied?
ESTRAGON
Down.
VLADIMIR
But to whom? By whom?
ESTRAGON
To your man.
VLADIMIR
To Godot? Tied to Godot! What an idea! No question of it. (Pause.) For the moment. (1.266-275)
The verb "tied" makes more explicit the similarity of these two men to Lucky, who is literally tied by the rope around his neck. Estragon is actually asking the same question we just did—whether or not they are made prisoners by Godot. Vladimir, of course, is unable to answer with any certainty. Interestingly, it is his very uncertainty that makes him a prisoner of his own inaction.